Harry Kane returns to first-team training with Arsenal clash looming

Harry Kane not on bench for Tottenham's Champions league match vs Bayer LeverkusenITN

Harry Kane has put himself in the frame to return for Tottenham Hotspur's game against arch rivals Arsenal on Sunday (6 November) after returning to training with the first-team ahead of their game against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League on Wednesday (2 November).

The England international has been sidelined since 18 September when he damaged his ankle ligaments during Spurs' 1-0 win over Sunderland. Initial diagnosis suggested a lengthy layoff for Kane, but scans revealed that the damage was not as bad as first feared, which came as a major boost to Tottenham.

Mauricio Pochettino has missed his top scorer in recent weeks after it initially looked like Son Heung-Min had taken over the scoring burden. The South Korean scored three goals in as many games since the striker's injury but has failed to find the net in the last five games during which Tottenham have lost one and drawn four while scoring just two goals.

The 23-year-old striker returned to first-team training on Tuesday with the rest of the first-team, and his goal will now be to get match fit ahead of the crunch clash against the Gunners. Pochettino admitted that he is still not sure about his availability but his return could see him at least make the bench for the trip across north London to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

The Argentine manager has also made the striker available for England's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Saturday (12 November), and for their friendly against Spain four days later. However, his participation for the Three Lions will be determined by his availability for the Arsenal game.

Harry Kane is back in first-team training and could return for Tottenham against Arsenal on Sunday (6 November)Getty

"If Harry is available we are not stupid to say, 'No, Harry is out,' to try to protect him," Pochettino said, as quoted by the Times.

"We want the best for the team and for the player. It's true that maybe it makes more sense for the national team to say: 'OK, stay at home. Stay with Tottenham and train for two weeks. It's important to build Harry's fitness and be better after.' But, if they consider that they need Harry to play for the national team and he is available to play against Arsenal then we open the door for the national team to select him too," the Argentine manager added.